Finally a Post!

Hello Friends!



I am sitting here tonight while my children and hubby are in bed sleeping. It is quiet and I thought that I would write a short post so that I could catch up a bit on what has been going on in my life lately.



My life has been blessed with many school activities for the children, as well as caring for my now 7 month old baby girl, as well as the five other children.



My daughter, who only has one week left of school, will be graduating in a few short weeks. We recently found out for sure that she is going to be valdictorian of her class. We are so proud of her and the work that she has been able to accomplish, especially after the death of her beloved brother. She has lots of perseverance and focus and has done beautifully. I am already starting to miss her and she is still going to be here until August 20th.



I am wondering why God arranged it so that the date that she is scheduled to start college is the same date that our little Caleb died two years ago. The date itself is painful to even write and now this year I will be saying "goodbye" to another one of my children. I know that it isn't the same as when someone dies, but it is a loss none-the-less and I will mourn the loss of her presence in our home.



She has been a delight and truth be told, she was the only other female in the house until dear Elisabeth was born 7 months ago...with a husband and five boys it was a joy to have another female to "stick-together" with :)



I have been reading a couple of books, really a feat in itself because I'm not a reader, by the author Sharon Jaynes. One of the books is called The Power of a Woman's Words and the other one is called Great Mother, Great Children. I would highly recommend both of the books. I have learned so much from both of them. I think that I am happier already and so are my children/hubby. If you pick them up, please tell me what you think.



I have been using my food processor more than I ever thought that I would. Meals have been made so much quicker and easier because of it, that I can't believe it sat in my cupboard for years without being used!



The baby is still not sleeping great, and therefore, neither am I. It is fleeting though and I know it won't last forever. I still worry every night about her breathing and whether or not I will wake up and find that she has died. I don't think that will ever change.



She looks at pictures of Caleb and smiles and coos. When Caleb died one of the things I missed the most was being able to look into his eyes and see "him". I can't tell you how much it means to look into my children's eyes now. I try not to take it for granted.



On a lighter note I have visited the doctor for several things lately with the children...my youngest (living) son ran into a pole at school and got about 7 stitches in his forehead. My next oldest son broke his finger when he jammed it into the couch. My youngest (living) son found a tick embedded in his skin and had to get it removed by the doctor it was so deep (we found two more within a week of finding that one in his skin). My oldest daughter has been sick and I took her to see if she had mono yesterday. She doesn't, luckilly!...all this and it isn't even summer yet :)

I enjoy reading all of your posts and lately have not been good about commenting, but know that I do think about you all.

Love to each of you,
Cheryl